THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

PFC Ronald H. Chilcott was an infantryman serving with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. In January 1968, the 1st Cavalry Division moved to I Corps, Vietnam’s northern most tactical zone, setting up their base at Camp Evans, northwest of Hue in Thua Thien Province, RVN. On April 19, 1968, Operation Delaware was launched into the cloud shrouded A Shau Valley near the Laotian border, twenty-seven miles west of Hue. None of the Free World Forces had been in the valley since 1966, which was now being used by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) as a way station on the supply route known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the fourth day of the operation, PFC Chilcott was taking cover during a NVA mortar attack when his M79 grenade launcher accidently discharged. He was fatally injured after suffering multiple fragmentation wounds. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear PFC Ronald Chilcott,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Veterans' Day just passed.. Thank you for your service. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear PFC Ronald Harry Chilcott, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Taken from this world to young, but your sacrifice to the great nation will forever live on.